This is a picture from the movie
Wait Until Dark starring Audrey Hepburn. It's about a murderer invading a blind woman's house, but the woman takes out all of the lights so there are very few light sources. I think the light from the fridge counts as an example of selective focus because it's the first thing that someone would look at in this photo. Once you look at the fridge, you immediately notice the killer on the right, then Hepburn on the far left. I like how this scene uses a light that fits into the scene rather than a spotlight because it's sensible and adds to the suspense.
The photo was taken by Marija Majerle. With the majority of the background being dark, the sunlight is the first spot a person's eyes would look towards. In addition to that, I like the early morning mood that comes from the light-dark contrast in this photo as well as the silhouette in front of the sunlight.
For the top photo, I like how the light coming from the refrigerator is lighting up the kitchen, drawing your eyes to that room and the killer. There's still some dim light shining on Hepburn, which I think helps the viewer realize how she is trying to stay hidden and not walk into the bright light. The light also gives a sense of creepiness to the scene.
ReplyDeleteWith most examples of selective focus, the contrast is what really draws the audience's attention, as you mentioned. With the second picture, the contrast between dark and the two single pieces of light are what draw our attention. There is also a contrast between the sharp edges of the silhouette and the blurry edges of the light streaks, which is what also drew my attention.
ReplyDeleteI think the lighting in the top photo is very interesting as it completely adds on to the scariness of the scene. I think there is a potential metaphor here. On one hand the killer is illuminated by the refrigerator light and is not as "in the dark" on what's happening, as in he knows exactly what is going on at that moment. On the other hand, the soon-to-be victim is standing by the door and surrounded by shadows and darkness and is also "in the dark" about what is about to happen to her.
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